The directive states: “Our new approach will ensure flexibility by requiring that we identify early in the process the intellectual property needed in all phases of a Defense business system's or weapon system's life cycle. It will require transparency in articulating these requirements and our objectives with industry. We will seek tailored access to intellectual property appropriate to the circumstances. We must pursue creative, customized licenses and seek only the necessary-not all-intellectual property to meet our needs. Finally, we must aim to negotiate prices for deliverables and associated license rights early in the process when competition exists. Through these practices, the Army will become a more sophisticated customer and user of intellectual property.”

Dr. Ross is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) responsible for the design and implementation of acquisition reform and modernization initiatives. Prior to being named to this position, Dr. Ross served as a Professional Staff Member on the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives (HASC).